Identifying and Developing New Markets
E-Business
Are you considering trading online? An online business can save time and money and decrease your overheads. A good website can also reach a broader market, or be tailored to target specific niche markets and make it easier for your customers to do business with you.
Federal, state and territory governments offer a range of information and services to help you get into e-business. Follow the links below to find out about:
- Getting connected
- Setting up your website
- Legal & consumer obligations
- Intellectual property
- Privacy
- Spam
- Trade practices
- Security & fraud
- Grants & assistance to get online
- IT Training
Once you’ve bought your equipment - the computer and software you need to run your business - you’re ready to plan, design and build your website. Remember, a well planned and designed website will make it easier for you to do business, not only with your customers but also with your suppliers.
You should consider the following :
- Plan - Careful planning will help maximise the benefits of your new online business and reduce the risk of things going wrong.
- Choose an ISP - You may already have chosen an Internet service provider (ISP) to set up your email account - many ISPs also provide a website hosting service and domain name registration services.
- Select your domain name - Your domain name is your unique electronic address on the internet. You can arrange this yourself or through an ISP.
- Design and build your website - Your website should entice and encourage people to look at your products. Planning is important, research other websites, and find out what your customers and suppliers would like to see.
- Promote and market your website - You need to let your current and potential customers know about your new website. Ensure that you include your website details on all your promotional material.
- An easy-to-access and up-to-date website could be the logical direction for your business expansion. Successful e-commerce can take considerable investment of your time, money and management resources, but is an investment that reaps profits and add value to your business.
Click here to explore the Australian Government's e-business guide online
